Sweetwater Lake

Elevation:

7,709 Feet
(2403.1 Meters)

Size:

72 Acres

Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Sweetwater Campground and Lake

AREA DESCRIPTIONSweetwater Lake, elevation 7,709 feet, is a natural 72 acre surface lake with little fluctuation in the water level. Sweetwater Creek runs into and out of the lake. The surrounding area is relatively dry with scrub oak, Douglas- fir and serviceberry. High limestone cliffs flank the lake on the east and west side. Sweetwater Campground has 10 sites with picnic tables, fire ring grills, water and trash disposal.

FISHINGSweetwater Lake is popular fishing waters for the area's local fishermen. It offers fishing from the shore or in small boats for brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon. The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks rainbow trout and kokanee salmon regularly.

BOATINGSweetwater Campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. There is a dock, but no public boat ramp. Canoes, row boats and small boats with electric motors are permitted, but gasoline-powered motors are not allowed. There is little water level fluctuation throughout the year.

CAMPINGSweetwater Campground has 10 sites.

Directions from Eagle: Travel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 getting off at the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater turning north onto the Colorado River road. Go 7 miles, turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on this road for 10 miles, turning left at the sign for the Sweetwater Campground. There is a day use parking area near the dock. The campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. There is no public boat ramp.

Directions from Vail: Travel 43 miles west of Eagle on I-70 getting off at the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater turning north onto the Colorado River road. Go 7 miles, turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on this road for 10 miles, turning left at the sign for the Sweetwater Campground. There is a day use parking area near the dock. The campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. There is no public boat ramp.

Directions from Beaver Creek: Travel 34 miles west of Eagle on I-70 getting off at the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater turning north onto the Colorado River road. Go 7 miles, turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on this road for 10 miles, turning left at the sign for the Sweetwater Campground. There is a day use parking area near the dock. The campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. There is no public boat ramp.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Iced over Updated: 2002-01-16 09:56:00.0

Add your own trip Report!Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others.
This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip reportNumber of People Encountered: 25-50 pplRecommend to a Friend: NeutralReport: Fishing on 5/27-28/06 was terrible. No bites over two days. Windy.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity

Remarks

On Site

Electric Powered & Non-Motorized Boating

Canoes, row boats and small boats with electric motors are permitted on Sweetwater Lake.

Yes

Cold Water Fishing

Sweetwater Lake offers fishing for brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon.

Yes

Hiking & Walking

No

Lakes & Reservoirs

Sweetwater Lake

Yes

Picnicking

Yes

Related Activities

Cross Creek Trail - This trail, good for either hiking or horseback riding, begins near Sweetwater Lake and ties into the Sweetwater trail #1854.

Sweetwater General Forest Area - The Sweetwater General Forest Area includes the Sweetwater Creek drainage, northwest of Eagle and Gypsum. It takes in the southeast end of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Sweetwater Lake Campground - This campground sits in the bottom of a deep valley at an elevation of 7,740 feet, on the edge of Sweetwater Lake.

Sweetwater Trail - This scenic trail travels up Sweetwater and Dry Sweetwater Creeks in the Flat Tops area north of Dotsero. It accesses the east side of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Turret Creek Trail - Beginning in the Sweetwater Lake area, this trail provides good access to the Flat Tops Wilderness, and is popular for foot or horseback travel.